Bradford hero wants to prove point against old club Sunderland

Chris Young

BILLY KNOTT hopes to prove a point to Sunderland - if the Black Cats can secure an FA Cup fifth round trip to Bradford City.

Knott joined Bradford on a free transfer last summer after he was released by Sunderland following three-and-a-half years on Wearside coming through the club’s academy system.

The ex-Chelsea trainee always showed promise for Sunderland Under-21s, and during loan spells in Leagues One and Two, yet his only first-team appearance came as a substitute under Paolo Di Canio for an injury-hit Black Cats side on the final day of the 2012-13 campaign.

But should Sunderland prevail in their FA Cup replay against Fulham on Tuesday, Knott is in line to face his former club, with the Black Cats travelling to Valley Parade to take on a Bradford side still buoyant after their stunning win at Chelsea last weekend.

Knott said: “It is really exciting. Sunderland have a really difficult game against Fulham in order to get through but it would be brilliant to get them down to Valley Parade.

“I had a great time there.

“I developed there but, like I have said in the past, I felt like I was standing still and I had to make the move for the sake of my career.

“Hopefully I can prove to them what they missed out on should they be our opponents in the next round.

“Anything is possible in this cup run and we would have taken anyone after winning at Stamford Bridge. Most of the boys wanted Manchester United away but this is still a very good draw.”

Knott played the opening 80 minutes of Saturday’s 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge; helping the Bantams recover from going two goals down against Jose Mourinho’s men.

The 22-year-old then watched from the sidelines as two late goals secured one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.

“The feeling at the end was indescribable,” added Knott.

“To look and see that many fans, including your friends and family was something you will never forget. The whole thing was a whirlwind.

“I wish I could go back and experience that moment all over again. I would pay a lot of money for that to happen.

“The goal before half-time gave us huge belief. We were able to come out in the second half and in the end deserved to get the result.”

Meanwhile, Bradford’s fifth round tie against Sunderland or Fulham has surprisingly not been chosen for live television coverage.